Meeting Minutes

President John Brewer called the meeting to order at 7:30am.  He then presented Edna Petersen a plaque thanking her for all her work and leadership as PABA President in 2015.

Budget:  John handed out copies of the proposed 2016 budget.  Kai suggested membership in the Washington Business Alliance and Career Path Education.  PABA can have as many representatives as wanted.  Kai also mentioned Washington Business Association, which costs $400 per year and you can have only one representative.  Kai felt if someone had the time to represent PABA it would be a good group to join.

Edna made a motion and Andrew seconded that PABA budget $250 for a membership in the WBA.  Motion passed.

John said the budget had cash reserves so PABA might think about a scholarship.  Other suggestions were to fund student business week, youth legislative week, pay for repairs and upkeep of the welcome sign.

Phil made a motion and Edna seconded that budget be passed.

John said a “thank you” letter has been sent to Shell Oil thanking them for the Polar Pioneer donation.

Next weeks’ speaker will be Nathan West from the city.

PROGRAM:

Harry Bell reviewed the Governmental Affairs Committee members and assignments.  Connie:  contacted State Farm Bureau about WRIA and Dungeness Watershed.  John:  Doing followup on speakers from or about NOSC, Climate adaptation and Icicle Seafoods.  Kai: contacted National Federation of Independent Businesses.  Kai said they accept business and individual memberships but not associations like PABA.  Harry, Connie, Phil & Edna all talked about ONP and program on the Lake Crescent road upgrade, Phil is working on Growth Management update.

Organizations:  Connie had no report on EDC.  Connie, Maggie, Phil, Kai, George, etc., all led a discussion on sales tax.  Comments were pro and con.  Schools should pass their levies before tax is repealed, sales tax helps.  Businesses, why aren’t businesses backing it, more information is needed, one year is not enough to judge it, Country reserves are being built back up.

Edna made a motion and Jack seconded that PABA forward a letter to the Commissioners requesting they not repeal the tax.  Phil and Kai will write a letter and bring it before the group next week.

Edna interrupted the meeting to ask for help in planning a big welcome home event for the Coho in late February, and stated she would be glad to chair a committee.

Phil made a motion and Jack seconded it that PABA, with Edna chair, and the help of Revitalize PA. Motion carried.

Back to the regular meeting.

Kai presented history of the Water Rule issue and lawsuits past and upcoming.  Kai made a motion and Edna seconded that Kai sent an email to all PABA members about the issue.  Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45am.